Families urged to apply for reduced-price school lunches

The Port Jervis School District is urging families to take advantage of the free or reduced-price meals available through the National School Lunch Program.

The Port Jervis School District is urging families to take advantage of the free or reduced-price meals available through the National School Lunch Program.

Those who qualify will be eligible for free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches for the 2013-14 school year.

The price for reduced meals is 25 cents. This could save a family close to $500 a year per child.

The confidential program is available to all households that meet federal income guidelines. Students whose families receive food stamps or many other types of aid are automatically eligible — regardless of their income. Most foster, migrant and homeless children are also eligible.

The privacy of students who benefit from the program is protected. When students go through the Port Jervis cafeteria food line, they carry nothing that identifies them as a participant in the free and reduced meal program. They simply enter their student pin number into the automated payment system and the cashier automatically processes the transaction.

Application packets will be sent home with students the first day of school. Those who want to apply now can download the form from the district website, pjschools.org.

Completed application should be returned to Food Service Director Thomas Preiskines by Sept. 30. Families whose income level changes during the school year can submit an application at any time.

For answers to questions regarding the application or assistance completing the application, call Preiskines at 858-3100, ext. 13896.